Tent fabric parameters: waterproof coefficient | waterproof canopy tent
Tent fabric parameters: waterproof coefficient | waterproof canopy tent
At midnight, when the heavy rain starts to wash your tent, you will remember the basic tent parameter that determines the success or failure of your trip: waterproof performance. The higher the waterproof coefficient, the better, is it true? Not necessarily. It’s not just a matter of choosing the tent with the highest waterproof coefficient. Let’s take a look at the meaning of the waterproof coefficient value. For a specific tent, sometimes, in some places, a lower waterproof coefficient value may be better. effect.
What does the millimeter (mm) waterproof coefficient value mean?
The waterproof coefficient of a fabric, measured in millimeters (mm H20), does not represent the thickness of the fabric or its polyurethane (plastic) coating, but the pressure that water can penetrate the fabric. In the standard waterproof test, water pressure is applied to the back of the fabric sample until three drops of water can penetrate the fabric. For example, the 1500 mm H20 coefficient value means that the fabric can withstand the water pressure of 1500 mm above without leakage. This measurement can also be converted to pounds per square inch (1500 mm H20 equals 2.18 psi).
So, how many millimeters of water resistance do you need?
In short, the waterproof coefficient is not as high as possible. Umbrellas are a good example of waterproof protection, let us compare them. Under our water head tester, the waterproof coefficient of the umbrella is only 420 mm H20, so to keep you dry, you don't always need a larger parameter value. So, why is the waterproof coefficient of the tent between 1000-10000 mm H20? Part of the reason is that thicker waterproof coatings and higher waterproof coefficients often lead to better durability (to a certain extent-we will continue to discuss this topic later). Moreover, the umbrella is always held high in the hand, and is generally not subject to the wear and tear that the bottom of the tent often has to withstand. Tents must use more coatings to compensate for wear and loss; this minimum wear also explains why the canopy can provide a waterproof performance similar to that of a tent with a lower water resistance factor (for example, our Zing™ canopy, water resistance factor Only 600 mm H20).
At midnight, when the heavy rain starts to wash your tent, you will remember the basic tent parameter that determines the success or failure of your trip: waterproof performance. The higher the waterproof coefficient, the better, is it true? Not necessarily. It’s not just a matter of choosing the tent with the highest waterproof coefficient. Let’s take a look at the meaning of the waterproof coefficient value. For a specific tent, sometimes, in some places, a lower waterproof coefficient value may be better. effect.
What does the millimeter (mm) waterproof coefficient value mean?
The waterproof coefficient of a fabric, measured in millimeters (mm H20), does not represent the thickness of the fabric or its polyurethane (plastic) coating, but the pressure that water can penetrate the fabric. In the standard waterproof test, water pressure is applied to the back of the fabric sample until three drops of water can penetrate the fabric. For example, the 1500 mm H20 coefficient value means that the fabric can withstand the water pressure of 1500 mm above without leakage. This measurement can also be converted to pounds per square inch (1500 mm H20 equals 2.18 psi).
So, how many millimeters of water resistance do you need?
In short, the waterproof coefficient is not as high as possible. Umbrellas are a good example of waterproof protection, let us compare them. Under our water head tester, the waterproof coefficient of the umbrella is only 420 mm H20, so to keep you dry, you don't always need a larger parameter value. So, why is the waterproof coefficient of the tent between 1000-10000 mm H20? Part of the reason is that thicker waterproof coatings and higher waterproof coefficients often lead to better durability (to a certain extent-we will continue to discuss this topic later). Moreover, the umbrella is always held high in the hand, and is generally not subject to the wear and tear that the bottom of the tent often has to withstand. Tents must use more coatings to compensate for wear and loss; this minimum wear also explains why the canopy can provide a waterproof performance similar to that of a tent with a lower water resistance factor (for example, our Zing™ canopy, water resistance factor Only 600 mm H20).